Wolfsburg have been hit by news that midfielder Karim Ziani needs a hip operation that could keep him out for up to three months.

Ziani, who played for Algeria at this summer's World Cup in South Africa, has struggled with pain in his groin and has been told that surgery is the only answer.

"Experts consulted have determined that Karim Ziani could not do without a hip operation," Wolfsburg revealed on their official website on Tuesday.

"It is expected he will be out for two to three months."

The 28-year-old playmaker has made just 13 appearances for the 2008-09 Bundesliga champions since signing from Marseille last summer, and has the unenviable record of having never won a match with Wolfsburg - who currently lie second-bottom of the table.